Elm Park United Methodist Church

Welcome to Mid Winter Institute 2026

Join us February 7th & 8th

Pricing is $25 without lunch & $35 with lunch.

Annual Training Event Sponsored By Elm Park United Methodist Church

Our Offerings at Mid Winter Institute

Rev. Roger Wolsey

I’m a guide for those navigating life’s twists, turns, and mysteries. 

I’ve spoken at The Wild Goose Festival (three times), The Embrace Festival, The Lion and The Lamb Festival, and Christianity 21. 

My writings have been published on Elephant Journal, Huffington Post,  Sojourners; on Patheos as “The Holy Kiss,” and increasingly on Medium and Substack. 

I’m the author of Discovering Fire and Kissing Fish, and I manage the Kissing Fish Book Facebook community

I am a regular contributor to the John Shelby Spong weekly newsletter “Progressing Spirit,” and serve on the Board of Directors of The Center for Progressive Christianity aka ProgressiveChristianity.org.

I’m also an experienced wedding officiant (including premarital counseling) and support grieving families through meaningful funeral, memorial, and celebration-of-life services.

Those things are nifty, but I’m just a human, a fellow human being who’s learned many things the hard way in life. Now well into my 50s, I bring the wisdom of a midlife journey and a renewed sense of purpose to my life and work. ​

Over the years, I’ve explored a wide range of spiritual practices and personal development work, and I’m passionate about helping others discover the fullness of their lives to leave a legacy of love.

Keynote Speaker


A. Values and Vision : By Rev. Daniel L. Wilt

B. Creative Dislocation and the UMCRM: By Rev. Kevin Witt

C. Tech Solutions for Small(ish) Churches: Pastor TJ McCabe

D. Building Connection and Strengthening the Collective for Justice and Advocacy: By Rev. Ryan Giphart

E. Where Christianity Is Growing – Christianity in Kenya: By Rev. Faith Gatwiri

F. Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood: By Rev. Jason Schwartzman

G. Church Marketing & Livestreaming: By Wesley Bealla

Workshops

Experience the Mid Winter Institute